Gael Fickou commits to Racing 92 project whilst Toulouse get promising injury boost
Gael Fickou - PA
Racing 92 have announced a four-year extension to Gael Fickou’s contract, keeping the experienced French international centre in Paris until the 2027 World Cup.
The 29-year-old is to play a key role in the plans of new sporting director Stuart Lancaster, while he is likely to become a French Test centurion sometime in the next two years if he avoids injury. He is currently on 84 caps.
“His exceptional leadership as a man and captain is a key element in the club’s constant progress,” said Lancaster in the club’s announcement.
Delighted
Fickou joined Racing in 2021 after three years at cross-town rivals Stade Francais and six formative years at Toulouse where he made 135 appearances. He made his international debut at the age of 18 in 2013 against Scotland.
“I’m delighted to be extending my contract with Racing 92,” he told the Racing website.
“This club has become my family and I’m honoured to continue wearing its colours. We have built a very solid team, and I am convinced that we can reach new heights together.”
Good news in Toulouse
Meanwhile, in Fickou’s old stamping ground of Toulouse, the injury news gets better and better. After Romain Ntamack took his first light runs since his knee injury on Tuesday, and Julian Marchand and Jack Willis returned to the squad last week, the Toulousains can also now look forward to imminent returns of Italy star Ange Capuozzo and versatile Argentinean Juan Cruz Mallia.
The pair returned to full training on Wednesday, ahead of Toulouse’s Christmas weekend Top 14 clash with Toulon in the Stade de Toulouse, a match for which 33,000 tickets have already been sold.
Prop Dorian Aldegheri (neck), second-row Thibaud Flament (foot), winger Arthur Retière (hamstring) and scrum-half Paul Graou (ankle) are still unavailable to Toulouse for the game.
